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Thinking About the Abortion Pill? Here’s What You Need to Know First  

If you’re considering the abortion pill, you probably have a lot of questions. How does it work? How far along can you be? Is it safe? Do you need an ultrasound first? What happens after you take it? And what if you change your mind?  

You don’t have to figure everything out at once.  

Before taking any medication to end a pregnancy, it’s important to have accurate information about your specific pregnancy. Knowing how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is developing and where the pregnancy is located can help you understand your situation and your options.  

Here are some of the most important things to know before taking the abortion pill.  

What Is the Abortion Pill?  

The “abortion pill” is actually a two-medication process. The first medication is mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy. The second medication is misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.  

The medications are generally taken 24 to 48 hours apart, and the process takes place primarily at home. Cramping and bleeding are expected, and some women also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fever or chills.   

But there is something important to know before you get that far:  

The abortion pill isn’t necessarily the right option for every pregnancy.  

That’s why getting accurate information about your pregnancy first matters.  

How Far Along Are You?  

One of the first questions to answer is how far along you are in your pregnancy.  

You may be able to estimate your pregnancy based on the first day of your last menstrual period, but that calculation isn’t always exact. Your pregnancy may be further along—or not as far along—as you think.  

Gestational age can affect which abortion procedures may be available and what medical steps are involved.   

At Prestonwood Pregnancy Center, a free limited ultrasound can help determine the approximate age of the pregnancy.  

Is the Pregnancy Developing?  

A positive pregnancy test tells you that pregnancy hormones are present. It doesn’t tell you everything about the pregnancy.  

An ultrasound can provide additional information about whether the pregnancy is developing and whether a heartbeat is detectable. Early pregnancy loss is common, and some women don’t realize they have experienced a miscarriage until it is identified by ultrasound.   

If the pregnancy has already ended naturally, abortion medication isn’t necessary—but you may still need medical follow-up.  

Knowing what is actually happening with your pregnancy before making a decision can prevent you from acting on assumptions.  

Is the Pregnancy in the Uterus?  

An ultrasound can also help determine where the pregnancy is located.  

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus. This can become a medical emergency and requires medical attention.  

That’s one reason an ultrasound can be an important part of understanding your pregnancy before taking abortion medication. Prestonwood Pregnancy Center’s limited ultrasounds may help determine the location of the pregnancy and whether immediate medical attention is needed.   

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?  

The abortion pill causes bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy passes from the uterus.  

Other possible side effects can include:  

  • Nausea   
  • Vomiting   
  • Diarrhea   
  • Headache   
  • Dizziness   
  • Fever   
  • Chills   
  • Fatigue   

Your experience can vary, and it’s important to understand what to expect and what symptoms may require medical attention before taking the medication.  

If you’ve already taken the abortion pill and are concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or seek appropriate medical care.  

What About Abortion Pills Ordered Online?  

You may have seen websites offering abortion pills online or promising to send medication directly to your home.  

Before ordering anything, make sure you understand what you’re receiving and have accurate information about your pregnancy.  

If you’re searching online because you’re worried about the cost, privacy or inconvenience of visiting a medical provider, you still have options for getting pregnancy information and support.  

What If You Change Your Mind?  

This is something many women don’t realize until they’re in the middle of the process:  

It is okay to change your mind.  

If you’ve taken the first abortion pill, mifepristone, but are having second thoughts and have not taken the second medication, contact a medical professional as soon as possible.  

There is a protocol called Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) that uses progesterone after mifepristone. This protocol is most effective when started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill. Success isn’t guaranteed, so acting quickly is important.   

If this is happening to you right now, don’t spend hours searching for answers online.  

Speak to a Nurse  

Call Prestonwood Pregnancy Center at 972-333-6727.  

PPC provides Abortion Pill Reversal at no cost and can connect you with a nurse to discuss your situation and next steps.   

You Don’t Have to Make This Decision Alone  

An unexpected pregnancy can make everything feel urgent. You may be worried about your relationship, your finances, your family, school, work or what having a baby would mean for your future.  

But you don’t have to make a decision based on fear or pressure.  

Before taking the abortion pill, give yourself the opportunity to get accurate information about your pregnancy.  

At Prestonwood Pregnancy Center, you can receive a free pregnancy test and, when appropriate, a limited ultrasound. You can also talk with someone about your questions and options in a confidential setting. No insurance is required, and PPC’s services are provided at no cost.   

You don’t have to have all the answers today. Start by getting the information you need.  

Need Help Right Now?  

If you think you may be pregnant or are considering the abortion pill, Prestonwood Pregnancy Center offers free, confidential pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds and pregnancy guidance at its DFW locations.  

Schedule a free appointment today and get answers about your pregnancy before you make a decision. 

 

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